Dual sync cord or TTL-Slave Sensor for 2nd strobe Ike Oly E-330 kit

I was hoping someone might have some advice for me in regards to adding a second strobe to my Olympus E-330 dSLR in Ikelite housing outfit. I currently have a single DS-125 strobe and single sync cord. I shoot mostly macro in TTL mode. I would like to add a 2nd strobe to get more even lighting distribution, but I'm not sure what's the best route.

I read somewhere that the TTL-Slave sensor #4100.5 was in actually preferrable to using a dual sync cord for TTL control with a second strobe... Does anyone have any experience with this, comments or advice? My mind isn't made up whether to go with a DS-50 or DS-51 using the slave sensor, or to shell out the extra bones for another DS-125 which would allow the use of a dual sync cord OR the Slave sensor.

I've also contemplated trying to save even more money buy buying an older Ike SS-100a and use the old slave sensor #4100. I can't see why this setup shouldn't still provide me with proper exposure even without new fancy digital technology.

I'm up to my ears in ideas without a clear path through it. Additional perspective would be helpful :-)

Thanks in advance for adivice,

Colin

I was hoping someone might have some advice for me in regards to adding a second strobe to my Olympus E-330 dSLR in Ikelite housing outfit. I currently have a single DS-125 strobe and single sync cord. I shoot mostly macro in TTL mode. I would like to add a 2nd strobe to get more even lighting distribution, but I'm not sure what's the best route.

 

I read somewhere that the TTL-Slave sensor #4100.5 was in actually preferrable to using a dual sync cord for TTL control with a second strobe... Does anyone have any experience with this, comments or advice? My mind isn't made up whether to go with a DS-50 or DS-51 using the slave sensor, or to shell out the extra bones for another DS-125 which would allow the use of a dual sync cord OR the Slave sensor.

 

I've also contemplated trying to save even more money buy buying an older Ike SS-100a and use the old slave sensor #4100. I can't see why this setup shouldn't still provide me with proper exposure even without new fancy digital technology.

 

I'm up to my ears in ideas without a clear path through it. Additional perspective would be helpful :-)

 

Thanks in advance for adivice,

Colin

Hi Colin.

Well, since no one else with these specific strobes has chipped in, I'll chip in from past experience.

First of all, the TTL slaves work great, as long as your camera does not do a preflash. They are just as reliable as the cord, and do not have so much wire wrapped around all over the place. I like the fact that it allows me to use the ike quick release handles, and completely detach and hand hold 1 strobe for wide angle shooting in slightly murkier water, or to get more different lighting angles.

Regarding the 2nd strobe - yes I sometimes shot with an SS200 and an SS50 back in the film days. You could sometimes notice the difference in color temp, but very rarely.

Not sure if the older slave & strobe will do short enough exposures for the digital era - you might write ikelite and ask them.

By the way, how do you like the 330 underwater? Do you use the LCD for composing? Does it focus fast enough? Do you have any pix posted anywhere yet?

Don